In the automotive world, a sleeper is a car that you really don't give a second look, until all you can see are the tail lights. But, if you're going to call a car a sleeper, it better look unassuming and run like a banshee. The Plymouth Duster might not be what some people call a sleeper; after all, back in the day, it was Plymouth's potent little compact. Now when you see one on the road, you either think A) a nice resto, or B) as is the case with Rick Trunkett's '72 version, you might think it a nice driver or street car—and you'd be correct. At first glance, you wouldn't expect it to have the capability to blow the doors off of a lot of racier looking cars, but it will.

In 1972, this Duster was brand-new. That same year, its current owner wasn't even around. You see, Rick, the car's current owner for the last 13 years, is only 27 years old. Basically a Young Gun, he wasn't around for the early years of this Duster's life. But, ever since he was 15, it's been his car of choice, and has evolved over the course of those years.

2/9Interior: If you’re wondering what the plumbing is between the seats, it’s either piping for the intercooler, or just something to keep his girlfriend on her side of the car.

While Rick has owned the car, it has seen no less than six different engines installed under the hood, and twice as many transmissions. Lucky for him, he is now partial owner of Big 3 Racing, and he tells us that this Duster also doubles as a test bed for parts and combinations.

Initially, Rick didn't enter our AMSOIL/Mopar Muscle Numbers Don't Lie Showdown, but when one participant had to drop out, he was there to fill the spot. We're glad he did. Rick and his Duster impressed everyone at the showdown, with an impressive 781 horsepower. Who says small-blocks can't make big-block power? Definitely not Rick.

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Fast Facts
1972 Plymouth Duster
Rick Trunkett
Hinckley, Ohio

Mopar Power

Engine: This small-block is bored and stroked enough to achieve 435 inches. It started as a tall deck R3 block with 48-degree lifters, and Siamese bores. The steel Eagle stroker crankshaft and 6.123-inch connecting rods build an 8.8:1 compression ration with Wiseco pistons under the Indy 360-1 heads. The specs of the cam are a secret that Rick wouldn't reveal, but he did tell us that it's a solid roller camshaft ground by Bullet. An Indy intake and a custom blow through carburetor are fed by the big 88mm turbo, and frankly, that's enough to finish it off.

Transmission: The little 904 was built by Karis in Cleveland, Ohio, is still holding together, and features an FTI 91⁄2-inch converter.